Preschool
Where curiosity becomes confidence — in a joyful, play-based preschool classroom near Annapolis Junction and the National Business Parkway.
Preschool (3 to 4 years)
The preschool years are when children begin to see themselves as learners. They ask why. They experiment. They create. They argue about whose tower is taller and negotiate who gets to be the doctor in dramatic play. It is one of the most vibrant, energetic, and rewarding stages of early childhood — and our preschool classroom is built to honor every bit of it.
At Explore + Discover, located at 112 National Business Parkway in Annapolis Junction, MD, our preschool program serves three and four year olds with a curriculum rooted in play-based learning and aligned with the Maryland Early Learning Standards. We are a Maryland State Licensed early childhood school (MSDE CCLD 26.18), and our preschool classroom meets and exceeds all state requirements for safety, staffing ratios, and educational programming.
For working parents near Fort Meade and the National Business Parkway corridor, our preschool offers the peace of mind that comes from knowing your child is not just cared for — but genuinely learning and thriving every single day. Our 1:8 caregiver ratio ensures that every child receives meaningful individual attention within a rich, stimulating group environment.
What You Can Expect from Our Preschool Program
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Play-Based Curriculum Aligned with Maryland Early Learning Standards
Our curriculum isn't a textbook — it's a living, breathing set of experiences designed around your child's interests and developmental stage. Literacy, math, science, and social studies are woven naturally into play, projects, and exploration.
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Pre-Literacy & Early Reading Foundations
Letter recognition, phonemic awareness, print concepts, and story comprehension are introduced through read-alouds, writing centers, and language-rich activities that make literacy feel exciting rather than like work.
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Early Math & STEM Exploration
Counting, patterns, shapes, measurement, and simple science experiments are embedded throughout the day. Children build number sense naturally through building, cooking, sorting, and hands-on investigation.
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Project-Based Learning
Weekly themes and multi-day projects give children the opportunity to dive deep into topics that interest them — building vocabulary, critical thinking, and collaborative skills that will serve them well in kindergarten and beyond.
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Maryland State Licensed — MSDE CCLD 26.18
Our preschool meets all Maryland licensing requirements for safety, staff qualifications, caregiver ratios, and curriculum standards. Parents near Fort Meade and Annapolis Junction can trust that their child is in a fully certified, inspected facility.
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BrightWheel Daily Updates
Real-time photos, activity notes, and daily recaps sent straight to your phone via BrightWheel — so you can stay connected to your preschooler's day from anywhere along the National Business Parkway corridor.
A Typical Day in Our Preschool Program
Every day is thoughtfully structured around your baby's individual needs — balancing play, learning, rest, nutrition, and consistent care throughout the day.
Morning Arrival & Choice Time
7:00am – 8:30amChildren arrive, sign in their name (or attempt to — a great pre-writing practice), and choose from open-ended morning activities. Puzzles, drawing, building, or quiet book browsing ease the transition from home to school.
Morning Snack
8:30am – 9:00amFamily-style snack with growing independence — children set their place, serve themselves, and practice conversation skills. Snack time is also a natural opportunity for counting, color identification, and social language practice.
Morning Meeting & Circle Time
9:00am – 9:30amCalendar, weather, daily news, and group discussion. Children take turns sharing, practice listening, and engage with early literacy and math concepts. Teachers introduce the day's theme and spark curiosity for the activities ahead.
Learning Centers & Project Work
9:30am – 11:00amThe heart of the preschool day. Children rotate through intentionally designed learning centers — writing, science, art, dramatic play, math manipulatives, and sensory. Teachers facilitate deeper learning through questioning and guided discovery.
Outdoor Play & Gross Motor Time
11:00am – 11:45amDaily outdoor play for physical development, social skill building, and fresh air. Preschoolers develop coordination, spatial awareness, and cooperative play skills through running, climbing, and organized outdoor games.
Lunch
11:45am – 12:30pmLunch from home eaten together at the classroom table. Children practice independence, conversation, and beginning clean-up routines. Educators model table manners and use lunchtime as a natural social and language opportunity.
Rest & Quiet Reading Time
12:30pm – 2:00pmRest mats available for children who nap. Children who don't sleep engage in quiet individual activities — looking at books, drawing, or working on puzzles. This wind-down period supports emotional regulation and afternoon readiness.
Afternoon Enrichment
2:00pm – 4:30pmMusic, movement, additional project work, science experiments, or special activities tied to the week's theme. The afternoon block is often when children's most creative and collaborative work happens — energy is high and inhibitions are low.
Pickup & Daily Recap
4:30pm – 6:00pmPickup window open until 6:00pm — perfect for working parents near Fort Meade and the National Business Parkway. Each child's teacher shares highlights, learning moments, and any notes for the family. BrightWheel daily summary sent to your phone.
Key Activities in Our Preschool Program
Every experience is purposeful — designed to invest in your child's development in ways that pay dividends for years to come.
From pre-literacy and early math to science experiments and dramatic play, every experience in our preschool classroom is purposeful. We don't just keep children busy — we invest in their development in ways that will pay dividends for years to come.
Ready to Learn More About Our Preschool Program?
Preschool spots fill quickly. Schedule a free tour today and we'll walk you through our classroom, our team, and everything you need to feel confident about enrollment.